as in blunt
being or characterized by direct, brief, and potentially rude speech or manner
don't expect much information or friendly chitchat from the short-spoken villagers
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for short-spoken
Adjective
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Much of the rest, as the months and years passed, consisted of nothing more than blunt, basic, run-of-the-mill boredom.—
Daniel Smith,
The Atlantic,
27 Feb. 2026 -
On Friday, Bella Hadid stepped out in Milan to promote her new collaboration with Miss Sixty, rocking blunt platinum bangs reminiscent of the fictional pop star.—
Hannah Malach,
InStyle,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Meanwhile, a shorter conflict in which disruptions are easily reversible could mean the current price spike won't last.—
DAVID McHUGH,
Arkansas Online,
3 Mar. 2026
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Regime change on the cheap—by covert action, military coup, airpower, or short ground war—has tempted almost every American president since World War II.—
George Packer,
The Atlantic,
2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The abrupt onset of social isolation and the disruption of academic routine led to anxiety.—
Suzette Hackney,
USA Today,
27 Feb. 2026
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The other vehicle then made an abrupt stop and reversed into the Waymo vehicle.—
Chase Jordan
February 27,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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While not gruff or unfriendly, the serious New York restaurateur carries a distinct tone of getting down to business, even when casually chatting about how the show has changed over time.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Feb. 2026
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Over the ensuing decades, Duvall had numerous other memorable turns as tough guys, gruff mentors and men seeking redemption.—
David Matthews,
New York Daily News,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Under Sánchez, Europe’s last major progressive leader, Spain also has been an outspoken critic of Israel’s war in Gaza.—
Fatima Hussein,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Mar. 2026
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Republicans were very outspoken against the deal.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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But on third down at the 28, Jaquan Brisker broke up a pass in the end zone as time expired, setting off a wild celebration — and a curt handshake between Johnson and Packers coach Matt LaFleur.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Jan. 2026
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Jaquan Brisker deflected the ball, setting off a wild celebration — and a curt handshake between Johnson and Packers coach Matt LaFleur.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Short-spoken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/short-spoken. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.
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